Panel wants changes in Smart City concept in Kochi

KOCHI: The corporation on Tuesday made a presentation on the concept of SmartCity before the high-power committee headed by the chief secretary. The committee suggested a few modifications in the concept plan. The corporation is supposed to submit the proposal to the Union government by December 15.

The plan is as follows: Five divisions in Fort Kochi, Mattancherry and Ernakulam will be developed as part of the area development plan under the project. Another idea is to map utilities using GPS technology. Authorities are looking at trans-city solutions to ensure that the ci ty develops in a wholesome manner. There are 23 areas such as garbage management, smooth water and power supply, proper drains etc that have been given due priority in the plan.

In August, the Centre had announced a list of 98 cities that were selected for the project. Of these, 20 cities will be selected in the first phase, 30 during the second and the rest in the final phase. If the Centre approves the proposal, then the city will be included among the first lot of 20 cities.

The city will get Rs 1,000 crore over the next five years. Of this, Centre's share would be Rs 500 crore, state will contribute Rs 300 crore and the rest by the local body.